Dr. Piotr Mateusz Andrzej Cywiński, born on April 16, 1972, in Warsaw, Poland, is a distinguished historian, medievalist, and social activist. His early life was marked by displacement; between 1982 and 1993, he resided in Switzerland and France due to his father’s political exile. His father, Bohdan Cywiński, is a noted philosopher, historian, and journalist, while his mother, Maria-Małgorzata, is the daughter of artist Zbigniew Łoskot. This multicultural upbringing instilled in him a profound appreciation for history and human rights.
Dr. Cywiński pursued his passion for history by studying medieval studies at Marc Bloch University in Strasbourg, graduating in 1993. He furthered his education at the Catholic University of Lublin, obtaining his degree in 1995, and later earned his Ph.D. from the Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences in 2001. His academic journey laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in historical preservation and education.
From 1996 to 2000, Dr. Cywiński served as vice-president of the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia (KIK) in Warsaw and later became its president, a position he held until 2010. In 2002, he co-founded the St. Adalbert’s Forum, a multicultural initiative aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse communities, and chaired it for approximately eight years. His commitment to interfaith and intercultural dialogue is further evidenced by his active participation in Polish-Jewish and Christian-Jewish discussions, promoting reconciliation and understanding among different faiths.
In 2006, Dr. Cywiński was appointed Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, succeeding Jerzy Wróblewski. Under his leadership, the museum has not only preserved the historical integrity of the site but also enhanced its educational outreach. He co-created the International Centre for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust and serves as vice president of its council. In 2009, he co-founded the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and has been its president since, ensuring the long-term preservation of the memorial site.
Dr. Cywiński’s dedication to Holocaust education and remembrance has been recognized globally. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, the “Bene Merito” Honor, and international accolades such as the Knight of the Order of the Crown (Belgium), Knight of the Order of St. Charles (Monaco), and the Knight’s Cross of the French Legion of Honour. In 2017, France awarded him its highest honor for his unwavering commitment to preserving Holocaust history.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cywiński has been a staunch advocate against Holocaust denial and revisionism. He emphasizes the importance of confronting historical distortions, stating that “reckless fiddling with the fates of three million victims can only arouse opposition.” His leadership at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum ensures that the atrocities of the Holocaust are remembered accurately, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers of hatred and intolerance.
Dr. Piotr Cywiński’s life and work exemplify a profound commitment to historical truth, education, and the promotion of human dignity. His efforts continue to inspire individuals worldwide to remember the past and strive for a more just and compassionate future.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, located in Oświęcim, Poland, is one of the most significant and solemn memorial sites in the world. Established in 1947, it preserves the grounds and structures of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. These camps were the site of the murder of over 1.1 million people, the majority of whom were Jews, during the Holocaust. The museum stands as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and is dedicated to Holocaust education and commemoration.
The museum covers an area of approximately 191 hectares, including the original barracks, crematoria, gas chambers, and personal belongings left behind by victims. Its exhibitions provide an in-depth look into the history of the Holocaust, featuring photographs, documents, and artefacts such as suitcases, shoes, and other personal items. These exhibits serve to humanise the victims and offer a profound understanding of the horrors they endured.
A key feature of the museum’s work is its educational programmes, designed to teach visitors about the dangers of prejudice, hatred, and totalitarian regimes. One of the most notable initiatives is the International Centre for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust, which organises seminars, conferences, and workshops for students, teachers, and researchers from around the world.
The museum also undertakes significant preservation work, ensuring that the remains of the camp are maintained for future generations. This includes the conservation of buildings, ruins, and personal artefacts, as well as the extensive archives that document the crimes committed at Auschwitz.
Dr. Piotr Cywiński, the museum’s current director, has played a pivotal role in enhancing its educational outreach and preserving its historical integrity. Under his leadership, the museum has become a leading institution in Holocaust remembrance and education.
In 1979, Auschwitz-Birkenau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a site of exceptional significance. Today, it attracts millions of visitors annually, who come to pay their respects and learn about this dark chapter in human history. The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum continues to stand as a powerful symbol of remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
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